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Review: The Last Cherry Blossom

Title: The Last Cherry Blossom

Author: Kathleen Burkinshaw

Publisher: Sky Pony Press

Year: 2016

Ages: 11 - 13

IBSN: 978-1634506939

Kathleen Burkinshaw's debut novel, The Last Cherry Blossom, tells the story of Yuriko, a girl who grows up in Hiroshima during World War II. The events are based on the life of the author's mother, Toshiko Ishikawa, who survived the drop of the atomic bomb over Hiroshima on August, 1945. The story follows Yuriko during the year prior to the drop of the atomic bomb. Yuriko has a strong and loving relationship with her Papa. Her Aunt Kimiko and cousin Genji live with them and the family continues to expand. Revelations about family secrets alter Yuriko's life at a moment when she is turning into a young lady while the world is at war. She finds great support in her best friend Machiko. The government of Japan gives the impression that they are going to win the war, but as the novel progresses the characters start to deal with the truth. Then, the unthinkable happens.

Kathleen
Burkinshaw uses simple language along with a richness of Japanese culture to
show middle graders the end of World War II through the eyes of a young Japanese
girl who survived the drop of the atomic bomb over Hiroshima on August 6, 1945.
The Last Cherry Blossom is an excellent book to use for
comparative history in schools. Students could get to comprehend the life experiences
of the other side and learn that war has fatal and tragic consequences for
everyone involved. What is more, The Last Cherry Blossom could teach
children about the dangers of nuclear proliferation.

I loved reading and learning about Japanese culture. I was
amazed at their sense of honor and duty. I also thought the family showed an
incredible amount of resiliency. It was a beautiful and somber read, and as the
story advanced, I wanted time to stop because I knew what was going to happen.

Burkinshaw
did historical research for the novel, which is a great
educational asset. She also included a selected bibliography and a list of
Japanese words and their meanings at the end of the book.

Rating:
5 stars

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